The Comedy of Eros: Medieval French Guides to the Art of Love

by Norman R. Shapiro (Translator), James Wadsworth

This high-spirited collection of medieval French love poetry in modern translation takes delightful advantage of the preoccupation of writers of that time & place with love & sex. Decidedly sexist by today's standards, the volume offers the modern reader translations from seven texts, among them Ovid's "Ars amatoria," one of the earliest "practical" love guides -- a satirical treatise chockablock with shrewd tips for seducers & lovers -- as well as selections from the anonymous "On Courtesy," from Robert de Blois's "Advice to Ladies," & four other works. The illustrations -- 7 woodcuts by Robert & Corinne Borja -- are a blend of modern & medieval styles. Renowned translator Norman R. Shapiro is a prof. at Wesleyan Univ.

Genres: Medieval, France

133 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1971

About the author

Norman R. Shapiro is professor of Romance languages and literatures at Wesleyan University and an Officier de l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres.

Reviews

[Thom Dunn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seven Medieval French Ars Amatoria texts.